Wood fibre

Encyclopedia : W : WO : WOO : Wood fibre

Wood fibres are usually cellulosic elements that are extracted from trees, straw, bamboo, cotton seed, hemp, sugar cane and other sources. The dimensions of individual fibres typically used in North America can range from 0.5 mm to 30 mm (0.02" - 1.2") in length and 0.02 mm to 0.04 mm (0.0008" - 0.0015") in diameter. Specialty fibre length can be 130 mm (5") or longer, and as narrow as 0.009 mm (0.0003") in diameter.

The end paper product (paper, paperboard, tissue, etc.) dictates the species, or species blend, that is best suited to provide the desirable sheet characteristics, and also dictates the required fibre processing (chemical treatment, heat treatment, mechanical 'brushing' or refining etc.).

In North America, virgin (non-recycled) wood fibre is primarily extracted from hardwood (deciduous) trees and softwood (coniferous) trees, of which there is currently an abundant supply. Wood fibres can also be recycled from used paper materials.

Wood fibres are treated by combining them with other additives. They are then processed into a network of wood fibres, which constitutes the sheet of paper.

Research about fibres is sometimes conducted by fibre simulation.

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